On January 17, 2019, the MSS Board of Trustees adopted a revised mission statement. Abby Choi, the Director of School Initiatives and Improvement, led the five-month process of review and revision. Here she answers questions about the development of the statement.

Why update the mission statement?

Last fall we began to implement our five-year strategic plan. One of the first goals was to consider a mission re-word, a significant and challenging undertaking. After all, a mission statement is foundational, a guide that directs decisions and programs. The job at hand was to write a statement that maintains the heart of Mustard Seed School and updates how we articulate who we are and what we do for today’s audiences.

What was the process of reviewing/updating the mission statement?

It was a long and thoughtful process! I can’t even quantify the number of people hours because there were so many. We began with sending out a survey to parents, staff, board members, alumni, and community members about our current mission statement. You told us what you liked and what you would like to see changed and why.

Next, the staff participated in a brief brainstorming session, and small focus groups formed to provide additional input. Drafting began at a full-day Saturday meeting attended by the Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees. Then for several months we continued drafting, seeking feedback, and drafting again. At each juncture, the Leadership Team, Board of Trustees, and marketing professionals called us to refine and rework. We agonized over word choices. We debated passionately. We were all-in. I think that the hard work really paid off.

What makes a good mission statement?

Great question. We did quite a bit of research and settled on criteria set out by Top Nonprofits and Schooling by Design. A good mission statement states the school’s reason for being. It engages the audience immediately. It says what we do and who we do it for. It guides decisions. And it’s simple to read and remember: ideally, a mission statement should be fewer than 30 words and written at an eighth grade reading level. These are just a few of the requirements against which we measured our revised statement.

Who decides what the mission statement should be?

At Mustard Seed School, the Board of Trustees is responsible for upholding the mission. Therefore, the decision of what the mission statement should be rests with them. They adopted this updated mission statement by a vote on January 17.

The new MSS mission statement comes with a set of Core Commitments and a motto. Can you tell us more about that?

As we generated ideas about the mission statement, we realized that we wanted to say more about our community than can be told in fewer than 30 words. Our solution was to create a set of Core Commitments that expand upon who we are and what we do. We also created a motto that we can use on marketing materials and social media. The Core Commitments and the motto were adopted by the board as well. As such, they can only be changed by a board vote.

Anything else?

Throughout this process, I’ve seen that we have a deep love and fierce commitment to Mustard Seed School. I’m excited to launch this revised statement and see it yield fruit. At the same time, we should celebrate the previous mission statement and those who labored over it when it was written in 1989. It’s served us well for more than 30 years!

Revised mission statement:

Mustard Seed School teaches each child to know and care for their community and world. Together we inspire minds, cultivate hearts, and remove barriers.

Core commitments:

We educate the whole child

We are committed to the highest quality of education through academics, arts, faith, and service.

We are a learning community. We build classroom communities where students understand that they live lives of meaning and purpose. We nurture connection, curiosity, and risk-taking. Learning together is full of joy and beauty.

We believe in creating unity as we embrace diversity. By engaging with our differences, we teach our students to genuinely know themselves, their neighbors, and the world.

Our students become compassionate advocates who care for their communities and world.

We are rooted in the Christian faith

Mustard Seed is a Christian school that welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds.

We gather for community worship daily and see each child as a beloved child of God. We teach our students that all are loved and valued.

Together we care for God’s world.

We remove barriers

We provide equitable access to excellent education.

We remove financial barriers. We serve students from across the socio-economic spectrum. We especially welcome those with the least.

We remove barriers to learning. Teachers work to engage diverse learners. We celebrate each child’s gifts and support each child’s challenges to develop understanding.

Motto:

Inspiring MindsCultivating HeartsRemoving Barriers

]]>Pedro Gavilano ’11: using the skills he learned at MSS as a biology major in collegehttps://www.mustardseedschool.org/2019/01/pedro/
Wed, 16 Jan 2019 13:11:36 +0000http://www.mustardseedschool.org/?p=4482

Pedro with his sister, Rafaela. Pedro will soon graduate from Montclair State University and pursue a masters degree.

Even though it was nine years ago, Pedro remembers very clearly what it felt like to be in seventh grade as he faced his first Mustard Seed School Academic Exhibition. Nervous. He definitely felt nervous. The assignment, an Art Exhibition, had multiple components: research, analysis, comparing and contrasting artwork, an essay, and a public presentation.

Pedro also remembers receiving the support that he needed to be successful. Ms. Miller and Ms. Hanson helped him revise his paper and gave him ideas on how to intrigue the reader. Ms. Buckley taught him key art concepts and how to identify them in a painting. And Mr. Choi coached him through the presentation. Helped him relax and remain calm so that he could connect with his audience.

According to Pedro, experiences like the Art Exhibition taught him three key lessons that he still uses today: organization, persistence, and independence. A senior at Montclair State University, he’s majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. He’s most interested in the fields of genetics and biomedical engineering and plans to pursue a masters degree after he graduates in the spring.

Middle school students beware! Pedro confesses that he pretended that he didn’t like to sing when he was at MSS, but it turns out that he really does. For most of his college career, he sang bass in a mixed a capella group. He’s particularly fond of his group’s arrangement of the Meghan Trainor/John Legend song, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.”

When he’s not studying, Pedro works for the recreation department of Clifton, NJ, maintaining the soccer fields. He also works for the Department of the Interior National Park Services at the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park as a Park Ranger. He tries to serve others, to lend a hand whenever he can, and to always turn a negative situation into a positive.

The financial aid program at MSS was significant to Pedro. He’s aware of the many opportunities that have been available to him because of the strong foundation he received here. To our donors he says, “Thank you for giving me and so many other children all of these beautiful memories that we will never forget.”

Finally, he wants to say thank you to all of his teachers—everyone from Mr. Cuervo and Mrs. Johnson (kindergarten teachers) all the way through to Mr. Choi (8th grade). “Thank you for all of the lessons and experiences that each of you gave to me. I love you all with all of my heart! Thank you!”

As part of our new strategic plan, we’re considering how to best meet the needs of diverse learners. Some teachers are starting to receive professional development in Universal Design for Learning, a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all students based on scientific insights into how humans learn.

Zach Nordling is changing the way that he teaches and he’s already seeing a difference in how his second and third grade students learn and experience his math lessons. Mr. Nordling’s applying principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework for teaching that he’s been studying. Much like modern buildings are designed for universal access, lessons can be designed in a way to be accessible to all learners.

Implementing UDL starts with having a clear goal for each lesson and providing multiple ways for students to meet the goal. In a recent lesson, Mr. Nordling’s goal was for students to find the missing addend up to 100. He provided different materials for students to explore and solve math problems. One student used a meter stick as a number line so she could visualize the missing addend. A student who likes to build used connecting cubes to make stacks of ones and tens to find the solution. Another student used coins that added up to a dollar. Still another solved the problem in his head and then wrote down the steps to show his thinking.

Mr. Nordling finds that when he provides different kinds of materials and various ways to meet a clear goal, students in his class have a higher level of engagement and confidence. They become more self-directed and connect more deeply with math concepts. And the result is that Mr. Nordling spends less time re-teaching material. The design of his lessons enables him to meet students exactly where they are and provide appropriate challenges.

]]>What’s in the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan? Thriving and flourishing…https://www.mustardseedschool.org/2018/09/strategicplan/
Tue, 25 Sep 2018 12:44:06 +0000http://www.mustardseedschool.org/?p=4398(Note: this is the speech given by Tom Postema, Head of School, at the the Strategic Plan Celebration Party on September 24, 2018)

At the start of this 40th year of Mustard Seed School, we’re kicking off a new season in the life of the school. We’ve just launched our Strategic Plan and I’m eager to tell you about it.

First things first: thanks!

But first, I need to acknowledge the work of the many people who labored together over the course of last year to build this plan. This plan is the result of well over 1,000 people hours.

Maybe you were one of the 169 of people who filled our comprehensive survey and gave us precious feedback. If you were, I want you to know that we spent a lot of time with the survey data: analyzing it, considering it, asking hard questions. Your thoughts were really important in this process. Thanks!

Maybe you were one of over 65 people who attended an all-day Saturday retreat last fall. That was the day that we began the process with appreciative inquiry and continued to think deeply about what we do well, and where we need to grow. If you attended the retreat, you helped us begin the planning process from a position of strength. Please accept our deep appreciation.

And I’m extremely grateful to the people who served on the seven Strategic Plan Task Forces: Admissions and Facilities, Finance and Governance, Marketing, Program, and Staff. Over 50 of you gave up significant evening and weekend time for seven months last year. You analyzed data, researched best practices, debated, questioned, and worked extremely hard to create a plan that will propel Mustard Seed School forward and better serve our students and families. You gave sacrificially of your time and talent. Words cannot fully express how grateful I am. Thank you.

I also want to acknowledge the contribution of Ginny Christensen, who led the retreat and guided us through the process. She kept us focused, asked great questions, and became a part of the Mustard Seed team. Ginny, thanks for working with us.

To all who worked on this plan, you challenge us. You call us to renewed action on behalf of Mustard Seed students. You call us to rigor and extraordinary work. This is an ambitious plan–intentionally ambitious. Through it, we reaffirm our commitments: to the highest level of education; to you, the students and families we serve; and our commitment to our identity as a community of faith.

We’re calling this plan Thriving Roots and Flourishing Branches because through it we will continue to deepen our roots even as we nurture our branches so they can reach closer to the sky.

It’s going to take a community of people working together to carry it out the Strategic Plan over the next five years. It’s going to take you and me and our entire staff as well as the Board of Trustees. Abby Hall Choi has been appointed in a new role at school, Director of School Initiatives and Improvement. She has served at Mustard Seed for 12 years as a teacher and administrator. She led us through the successful accreditation process three years ago. She will help to keep us on track. The work will be demanding, but it will be exciting. And we will see results that will last for the next 40 years.

The Plan

Educate the Whole Child: Engage mind, body, and spirit

Five years from now, when you walk through these halls, you’ll see new evidence of all the ways that a Mustard Seed education addresses the whole child: mind, body, and spirit.

We’re going to spend time reviewing and refreshing our program. We’ll be considering what all students need to flourish and excel, but pay particular attention to to those who need more challenge and those who require more support. Students who outpace their peers in a subject area will have the opportunity to work at a higher level of difficulty. At the same time, students who struggle in a subject area will receive additional support to give them what they need to be successful. We want all students to grow in their areas of giftedness and weakness, and become impassioned lifelong learners.

We want to nurture a faculty and staff that reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Greater New York City area. And we want to guide all staff so that they have the skills that they need to value diversity and inclusion in all areas of school life, including learning styles and social-cultural contexts.

Christian faith and Celebration will remain at the center of school life. We’ll build a more formal structure around service learning. Our alums will continue to leave MSS with an understanding of the importance of getting involved in their communities. They’ll continue to make a difference in the world and live lives of service.

Nurture our Core: Respond to the needs of our families and community

We’re calling the next part of the plan, Nurture Our Core. That’s you! You and the students are the very reason for the existence of the school. We know that living in the city is wonderful, but it can be difficult. We all lead demanding lives. We will serve your needs better by implementing an after school program. We will also establish a parent support network to strengthen parent connections. We want everyone who walks through these doors to feel known and welcome.

Plant Seeds: Tell the story

Those of you who have been around since the beginning of the school (people like Shanna Pargellis and Joan Litman!) know that the tiniest of seeds has become a mighty tree! But we’re not always good about telling the story of who we are and what we do. We’re going to be evaluating and improving our storytelling. We’ve already completed the first step, we’ve created a role for Marketing and Communications and we’re excited that Abby Liu has been hired to take on this new responsibility. This is Abby’s 12th year on staff, and she’ll be working with others to refine our message and better inform you about the program, so you understand why we do what we do. We want you and our supporters and the community around us to better understand the value of a MSS education and the outcomes for our students.

We’re also going to refresh our look, and part of that will be a new website. We hope to be releasing a beautiful, more functional website in the spring of 2019. And you’ll see our materials change to reflect the new look.

Cultivate Roots: Build a strong and flexible school for all seasons

There are several aspects to cultivating and spreading our roots.

The first has to do with space. We love teaching, learning, and creating in the former Our Lady of Grace School building. Our lease will expire in 2025. Our goal is to have another long-term plan in place before that happens.

The second goal has to do with technology. The one-to-one laptop program in the middle school came about from the last strategic plan. We want to take our use of technology to the next level. We’ll be providing more structure and support to further enhance student learning.

Spread Roots: Grow school leadership

And finally, the way that we’ll SPREAD OUR ROOTS is by creating an intentional leadership succession plan and increasing the diversity of our Board of Trustees to reflect our student body, seeking people with the skills needed to accomplish the goals of this strategic plan.

We need your help! Mission survey coming!

We need your help to make this plan work. We’ve sent out a link to a survey about the mission of the school. (If you haven’t received it, and would like to participate, email Abby Choi.) We hope that you’ll take a few minutes to share your thoughts as we carefully examine the mission.

I’m excited about what lies ahead. We’ve come so far since the early days of this school and we’re going to grow even stronger. In five years’ time, we’re going to look back through this plan and celebrate all that we’ve done together.

I’m reminded of a song by a Mustard Seed friend that’s been sung at MSS hundreds of times in the past 40 years.

(from the Tree Song by Ken Medema)

I’ve got roots growingDown to the waterI’ve got leaves growingUp to the sunshineAnd the fruit that I bearIs a sign of life in me

I am shade from the hot summer sundownI am nest for the birds of the heavenI’m becoming what the LordOf trees has meant me to beA strong young tree

Please join me as we carry out the goals of Thriving Roots & Flourishing Branches.

Ms. Sanders joined the MSS staff in early August 2018 as the Director of Admissions and Community Relations.

Where are you from?

I was raised in both Montclair and Newark, NJ.

Tell us a little about your experience.

I studied Business Administration and Management at Penn State University and Bloomfield College. I have worked in Independent School Admissions for seven years. I truly enjoy helping families find a school that is the right “fit” not just for their child, but for the entire family. Choosing the right place to send your child for schooling is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. It’s crucial to ensure that the “fit” is right for everyone.

MSS is a big “hopes and dreams” place. What are some of your hopes and dreams for the year?

I hope to build community with current MSS families, and find the next group of prospective families. MSS needs to continue building our safe, strong, and beautiful community. I hope to contribute!

Part of my job is exmissions: helping our eighth grade students go through the high school application process. I hope to leave a lasting impact on our eighth graders as I help them choose their next school family.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I love shopping, exercising, and trying new restaurants and activities with my family.

Any hidden talents?

I danced ballet and modern from the age of three through college.

Favorite book and movie?

My favorite movie is the original Disney Cinderella and my favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It was on my summer reading list my freshmen year in high school. The issues discussed in the book are still relevant to survival in the world we live in today.

We hear that you like to cook. What’s your favorite thing to cook?

My dad was a chef, and as a little girl I always loved watching him move through the kitchen as he carefully sprinkled spices and took in the aromas. Some of my favorite dishes to make are turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas, macaroni & cheese, baked ziti, lentil bean soup, and tacos.

Do you prefer baking or cooking?

I prefer cooking, but my kids love both!

Tell us about your family.

My family is quite busy! My husband works in New York City, so we take the train every day. We have two little boys, Rico Brett (7) and Brees Mason (3). They are quite the busy bunch, always playing basketball or football. We have lots of fun together, trying new things like batting cages and swinging our golf clubs at the driving range. Anything to tire them out!

Morning beverage?

I am a faithful Starbucks espresso and coffee drinker!

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

The hardest thing I’ve ever done was join a nationally recognized sorority when I attended Penn State University. I am still very involved, and at least once a year, I go back up to State College with some of my sorority sisters to volunteer at a Nittany Lion concession stand.

Is there anything else that you want to tell us that you think MSS families might want to know?

I’ve been working in independent school admissions for almost 8 years. Amongst all of my career experiences I have always been most passionate about admissions and assisting families through the application process steps. It can sometimes feel overwhelming, and I’m here to help.

The mission at Mustard Seed allows me to be a part of making a huge difference in the lives of students and their families. I am truly honored to work in such a great community and school family.

Your kindness and compassion transform lives through education. Because of your support, the students who walk through the doors of Mustard Seed go on to high school, college, and beyond. They succeed and flourish. And they give back to their communities.

As we prepare to move forward with this school year, we also look back at last year through or annual report.

Th annual report this year is the story of what you’ve made happen this past year at Mustard Seed School. I hope that you feel the joy and love that goes into our educational program. You’re doing amazing work here. You can download the full annual report in .pdf or browse some of the stories that you made possible at the end of this blog post.

Every good story has a conflict, an obstacle to overcome. The Mustard Seed story is no different. The need for need-based financial aid has far outstripped the resources that we’ve been able to raise. The truth is, it’s been a nail-biter of a year when it comes to providing aid to families.

You’re generous. God is good and faithful. We don’t know how the financial story will unfold, but we press on to live out the misson that’s so precious to us. To deliver an exceptional education that’s not exclusively for the wealthy, but for everyone on the socio-economic spectrum. I truly believe that education is the great equalizer.

I hope you sense the important role that you’ve played this past year when you read the annual partnership report. Fifty percent of our students would not have attended school this year without you. Thanks!

As we look to the year ahead, will you join me in prayer for the students and their families, and specifically for the financial aid program?

I don’t know how God will provide, but I continue to celebrate the work God’s doing among us. I’m in awe of God’s faithfulness these past 39 school years. And I celebrate your remarkable partnership. Mustard Seed would not be the same without you.

Why did you move to Jersey City?
Lauren, my wife, is attending Columbia University; I decided to tag along for the ride!

Where did you go to college/what did you study?
I graduated from Calvin College in 2015 with a degree in Grades 6-12 English Education.

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the year?
First, to understand the schedule. Second, to balance being a loving and caring teacher and a supportive husband.

What do you do in your spare time?
I love to play my guitar, jog, play sports, play board games, or go camping and hiking!

Do you play other instruments, too? (We heard a rumor…) What type of music do you like?
I learned the drums when I was about six years old. James Taylor, a talented Bostonian musician, was my inspiration for learning the guitar. I love to play his music, and I also like to use these talents on church praise teams.

Did you read any great books this summer?
I read a bunch of Ray Bradbury. I read his book “Fahrenheit 451” and a bunch of his Sci-Fi short stories. That man can write!

Has anything surprised you about living in NJ so far? Has anything taken getting used to?
I really love and appreciate the diversity, both in humanity and in food. I’ve had to get used to the concrete, and I still am getting used to it!

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Two years ago, I ran my first 25KM race. I just about died (foolishly, I’ve signed up for a marathon in late October… we may need a long-term sub to fill my position come November!).

What do you like about teaching middle school?
I like a lot of things, but mostly, I love the students. Middle school is all about figuring out oneself, and I appreciate being present for that stage in life.

What do you like about teaching language arts?
Through writing, we can learn to make ourselves known; through reading, we can learn to know and empathize with others.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Obvious one: Flying.
Less obvious one: Never have to wash clothes or do dishes.

Favorite pizza toppings?
I don’t think I’m legally allowed to say this in one of America’s pizza capitals, but bacon, ham and PINEAPPLE. Hawaiian. It was invented in Canada (apparently), and I grew up with it as a normal topping option!

Did you/do you play sports or have a favorite sport?
I love sports! My family is very active, so I was grown in a competitive household. In Canada, I grew up playing three sports that most people south of the Canadian border didn’t: badminton, volleyball and hockey. I LOVE hockey. I’ve played hockey since I was 5 years old. I’m looking for a team to join in Jersey City, so let me know if you have any connections!

Is there anything else that you want to tell us that you think middle school students and their families might want to know?
I love learning about different cultures, backgrounds and upbringings. They deserve to be celebrated. Please include me in those celebrations if possible!

]]>Why we give: the Armand familyhttps://www.mustardseedschool.org/2018/08/armandfamily/
Thu, 23 Aug 2018 12:11:26 +0000http://www.mustardseedschool.org/?p=4329All children deserve the education and experience that Mustard Seed provides. The school is beyond welcoming and the community spirit is infectious. It makes us want to do all we can to contribute to the warm and open environment. We’re proud supporters of the school. Here are just a few of the reasons why we give.

We give because…

…we want to give back, to ensure that the student body of which our daughter is a part reflects the community in which we live. We want to do our part to make Mustard Seed accessible.

…learning with others who are different from ourselves matters. We must teach our children to respect and understand others, regardless of background or resources. We want our children to be well-rounded, compassionate, and welcoming of others from all walks of life.

…without a diverse socio-economic school community, our children would have a significant gap in their education and in their understanding of the world around them. Without need-based financial aid, the student body would reflect only a sliver of our society. This would limit the learning for all children at the school.

…we’re grateful. Mustard Seed School is a sanctuary, a loving and nurturing place for children to learn about their surroundings, deepen their faith, and be prepared for the future. It’s an affirming environment where each child is lifted up and celebrated as a unique child of God. Grounded in faith, the school is comprised of proactive people who teach students to make positive contributions to society.

…we hope to enrich the student experience and enhance the Mustard Seed community. We want the school leaders and staff to have the funds they need to go above and beyond when it comes to building the program.

Mustard Seed School is a special place. We remain grateful for the Mustard Seed community and we’re so glad our daughter benefits from it.

Kelesha and Pierre Armand are the parents of Victoria, Class of 2024, and Ali. Kelesha is a member of the Board of Trustees.

Thank you for joining Kelesha, Pierre, and the hundreds of others who surroundMSS students with care and support.You’re a key part of the success of our students.

Thank you!

]]>Why I love teaching Middle School: Sam Choihttps://www.mustardseedschool.org/2018/08/teachingmiddleschool/
Wed, 22 Aug 2018 14:14:14 +0000http://www.mustardseedschool.org/?p=4319On March 14, 2018, I found myself walking out of school with MSS middle school students. The eighth grade led us as we peacefully spoke out against gun violence following the Parkland shooting on Feb. 14, 2018. I listened to students as they grappled with what to do, struggled to find ways to honor those who died, and support those who grieved. We silently walked to the gazebo in Hoboken’s Church Square Park, read the names of those who had died, and observed a minute of silence for each person. I was deeply moved. We all were.

Sam and Abby Choi with their older son, Noah

I love teaching middle school students, and the school walk out is a great example of why. Middle school students are capable. They want to engage with the world and confront the major issues of our time. They’re eager to speak, to have their voices heard. And they’re curious. I delight in class discussions, in helping students see the bigger picture. I want students to think about all angles of a problem, whether during a conversation on gun reform or as they design a science experiment.

Life isn’t compartmentalized into different subject areas, and education shouldn’t be either. At Mustard Seed, we have space in the curriculum to respond to student interests or concerns, like the Parkland shooting. And the learning can cross into other areas of school life. On the day of the walk out, we also lit candles during worship to remember those who had died. We had a place to pray and bring our concerns before God.

The MSS interdisciplinary approach allows for constant collaboration among teachers and students. When I work with seventh grade students on their history exhibitions, I collaborate with the language arts teacher who will guide them through the essay component of the exhibition. And the art teacher who will work with students as they construct an artifact to accompany their presentation. This approach takes time and careful planning (and sometimes a lot of meetings!), but it pays off when I see the quality of work that the students produce.

Some of my first Mustard Seed middle school students are now in college or have recently graduated from college. The inklings of who they would become were evident when they were in middle school. That student who just couldn’t sit still? Who was always talking? He’s become an advocate for justice and truth in his college community. The student who thrived when a creative component was part of an academic project? She’s found her artistic voice and uses the skills that she began cultivating in middle school. They’re all thriving.

I value the MSS education. I couldn’t ask for better students or colleagues. I believe in the mission to serve all students, regardless of whether they can afford it or not. This is the school where I want to work. And that I trust with my own children.

]]>MSS supporters make dreams come true: the Landaverde storyhttps://www.mustardseedschool.org/2018/08/landaverde/
Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:21:50 +0000http://www.mustardseedschool.org/?p=4310Claudia only attended first and second grades at Mustard Seed School, but those two years were some of the most important in her life. Her experiences at MSS still influence who she is today. As a student, she felt safe, happy, and loved. She caught a vision for what school could be. Filled with art. Music. Joy. Faith. A place that celebrates strengths and supports areas of weakness.

Sadly, Claudia’s time at MSS was brief. Her mom was a single mom. Tuition was low but still out of reach. Mustard Seed was in the early days and hadn’t yet built the base of support required for enough need-based financial aid. And so, Claudia left to attend the local public school. Without an arts program and learning support, she withered. Miserable and struggling, she eventually dropped out of high school, though she later enrolled in evening classes and earned her diploma.

If she had children, Claudia told herself, she would send them to Mustard Seed School.

That’s exactly what has happened! Claudia now has two daughters who have graduated from MSS: Nissi ’15, and Mireya, ’18. And her daughter Grace will begin second grade in the fall.

It hasn’t been easy for Claudia and her husband, Ludwing, to pay for a MSS education, but they know that the sacrifices they have made have been worth it. They’re extremely grateful for the generosity of donors and consider them partners in the education of their children. Donors make it possible for Claudia to give her daughters the education that she could not have herself.

“Financial aid changes lives,” says Claudia. “More than that, it changes generations. My two years at Mustard Seed affected me. Now it’s had even more of an impact on my kids’ lives. This education will change how my kids raise their kids. Each gift has a multiplying effect. The blessing keeps going.”

Indeed, Mustard Seed has been everything that Claudia hoped for her children: education with love and joy. A curriculum that addresses the whole child. A school that teaches the same values that she teaches at home. Where the girls are known and celebrated. Prepared for high school and beyond. Equipped for the future.

Claudia’s daughter, Nissi ’15, graduated from MSS three years ago and will soon begin her senior year at High Tech High School, one of the most competitive public high schools in Hudson County. Then she’ll apply to college. Claudia credits MSS teachers with inspiring confidence in Nissi and helping her become more solid in her convictions. She’s thriving in the Drama Academy and hopes to become a fashion designer one day. She’s already talking about giving back and helping those in need.

Mireya’18, one of our recent graduates, was accepted into the Culinary Arts Academy at High Tech High School. Naturally shy, Mireya’s learned to express herself at MSS, to speak up, and thanks to the rigorous exhibition program, to comfortably present in front of large groups.

Grace ’25, will start second grade in the fall. She’s learned to read, write, and spell during first grade. She’s a diligent worker. A wonderful friend. She loves coming to school every day and always arrives with a smile.

Claudia and Ludwing also give back by participating in parent fundraisers like the #MerryMatch. They give out of a sense of deep gratitude for what they’ve been given. They want to bless others, just as the MSS community has blessed them.

Claudia (second row, in the middle behind the black MSS sign) with her MSS class.